Tanzania is rolling out drone technology to spur its farming sector into increasing yields, improving pest control and usher in a new era of precision agriculture across the country.
The East Africa country’s leap into the future of agri-tech, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, is part of the major steps to modernise agriculture and increase productivity through smart technology.
Upendo Mndeme, director of the Crop Development Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, revealed the technology thrust into one of Tanzania’s key sectors at the recent completion of a government-backed drone operations training programme for 16 agricultural experts.
He told the Tanzania Daily News that the intense programme is designed to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern, data-driven techniques.
“The integration of drones into agriculture is no longer an option but a necessity. With drones, we can monitor crop growth, detect diseases early, and apply fertilisers and pesticides precisely where they are needed. This marks a significant step toward modernising our agricultural systems,” said Mndeme.
Tanzania’s new generation of agricultural drones includes multispectral and thermal imaging models capable of assessing soil health, detecting pest infestations, and mapping large farms in real time.
The DJI Matrice 350 series and drones equipped with Flytbase software are being deployed across regions such as Morogoro, Mtwara, and Dodoma, where farmers are grappling with pest management and erratic rainfall.
Justa Katunzi, Assistant Director of Extension Services, described drone technology as a game changer for extension officers. “Farmers will no longer risk their health by directly spraying chemicals. Drones can now handle the task more precisely and safely, allowing our officers to serve more farmers in less time,” she said.
Africa, as a region that is fertile for high agriculture yields, is fast adopting drone technology to play a critical role in improving efficiency in fertiliser use, pest control, and crop surveillance, particularly for major export crops such as cashew, coffee, and maize.
According to Eliada Muya from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute with local drone regulation and production now supported by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, the country is positioning itself as a regional hub for drone innovation.
“This technology will revolutionise pest management and nutrient application, especially in cashew farming, where timely intervention is essential,” he stated.
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